It was through a videoconference intervention that Jean-Marie Bockel, special envoy of President Emmanuel Macron for Africa, took part in the opening of the 4th edition of the MD Sahara Forum. Organized in Dakhla, this two-day event is under the theme: “His Majesty King Mohammed VI: 25 years of Royal Vision, 10 years of growth of the Southern Provinces – Momentum of national and continental progress”.
From the outset, Jean-Marie Bockel did not hide his regret at not being able to be physically present in the pearl of southern Morocco, a region that he described as ” Magnificent “ and in full “tremendous expansion”. “I would really have liked to participate in this key moment on the development challenges of the southern provinces under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. I would also have been very happy to return, after a few years, to Dakhla and to see the extent of the dynamism of this emblematic region of Morocco. he declared.
The special envoy explained his absence by the imperatives linked to his mission in West Africa. “I am currently engaged with the President of the French Republic on the reconfiguration of French military bases in around a hundred cities in the region, in connection with reinforced cooperation in the development of sovereign military capabilities,” he clarified. Faced with increased security threats, this mission aims to be strategic to strengthen the stability and autonomy of the countries concerned.
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Despite his absence, Jean-Marie Bockel wanted to reaffirm the importance of the Moroccan-French partnership. “Morocco is a major partner in all areas, including in the economic, cultural, academic sectors and on migration issues in sub-Saharan countries,” he underlined, highlighting the exemplary cooperation between the two nations.
Support and encouragement for the MD Sahara Forum
This busy schedule, combined with obligations in Europe, forced him to cancel his visit to the Forum. However, his message carried support and encouragement for the participants. “I wanted, through this video message, to express to you all my sympathy and my interest in your work. I naturally hope to be able to be physically present next time,” he concluded, before wishing “full success” to this strategic meeting.
The MD Sahara Forum, which is being held in Dakhla until December 7, highlights 25 years of reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, marked by a strategic vision and remarkable growth in the Southern Provinces. The event brings together experts, decision-makers and development actors around the challenges and opportunities of this region which has become a model of progress for Africa and beyond.
Through his message, Jean-Marie Bockel reaffirmed the recognition of the international community for Morocco’s spectacular progress in this region, testifying once again to the centrality of the Kingdom in continental cooperation dynamics.
